Vertical Platform Lifts Vs Wheelchair Ramps

For a wheelchair user, the stairs can be a very difficult to use, if not impossible. Some manual wheelchair users are adept at dealing with staircases with no assistance, but this requires a good deal of skill and presents a risk to the wheelchair user. Instead, of trying to use the stairs in this manner, most wheelchair users choose to either install a wheelchair ramp or a vertical platform lift in their home. Both of these devices can greatly improve accessibility and make it much easier to get around.

The vertical platform lift is a very popular lifting aid, which is in many regards simply a self-contained elevator. It includes an elevator shaft, lifting platform, and lifting system all in one unit. They are placed next to the landing of a staircase and raise vertically from the ground level to the landing of the stairs. A metal platform is provided for users to drive their mobility vehicle onto, which is then raised and lowered by pushing one of the control buttons. Many vertical platform lifts also include wireless remotes, as well as call buttons at the top and bottom of the stairs.

Vertical platform lifts, which are frequently called wheelchair lifts, are usually designed to support at least 500 pounds, with some wheelchair lifts having weight capacities that exceed 700 pounds. They can be used by multiple people or to move goods, providing the weight capacity is not exceeded.

The wheelchair lift itself is quite heavy and requires a strong solid base to support it. The base should be made out of either concrete or wood, which is level and does not wobble. Installing a wheelchair lift is fairly simple, with the hardest part usually being moving the lift in place, as it is quite heavy. The lift is then secured to the base and plugged in.

Most vertical platform lifts cost between $3,400 and $15,000, but this varies by the model, as well as its features. For instance, most wheelchair lifts have a lifting height of 4 feet, which can then be upgraded for a fee to up to 12 feet.

Wheelchair ramps often offer a lower cost alternative to a wheelchair lift. They can be built from scratch using wood and there are usually several local companies that can build the ramp for you.

There are also modular wheelchair ramp kits available, which come in sections and are made out of metal. Each section arrives separately, then is fit together to form the ramp.

The size and length of the ramp, both modular and custom built, depends on the height of the staircase, although bends can be added to take up less space. However, even when bends are used, wheelchair ramps end up taking up a lot more space than a wheelchair lift would. Some wheelchair users will also find them difficult to use. In cases where there is only a step or two to bridge, smaller single piece threshold ramps are available, which are very affordable.

Deciding whether to go with a wheelchair lift or a wheelchair ramp is an important decision that should not only take into account cost, but also the needs of the user and where the device will be used.

Robert Dinland, an author, has a strong medical background. Finding a means of increasing accessibility at home is essential for wheelchair users. Many choose to install wheelchair lifts, as these devices are very, powerful, don't take up much space, and make using the home much easier. Learn more about accessibility tools and wheelchairs at the Wheelchair Guide

Wheelchair Safety During Transportation and Travel

This wheelchair safety advice is for people who use a wheelchair and for caregivers, family members and close friends who know someone in a wheelchair. It also applies to anyone who might be using a mobility scooter.

There are safety guidelines on how wheelchairs should be facing during travel. The best direction to sit is with the wheelchair facing forward because this offers the most protection. Positioning the wheelchair perpendicular to the vehicle is often dangerous because any jolts or jumps in the vehicle can tilt both the wheelchair and the user. No matter the position you intend on placing the wheelchair, make sure the wheelchair is secured to the ground of the vehicle and will not accidentally break free from the restraint during a pot hole. The heavier the wheelchair, the more you have to consider the strength of the restraint. There are vehicles with built in floor restraints that provide the best protection but make sure both the restraint and wheelchair are fitted.

When you are travelling, if have the ability to stand and sit in the vehicle seats without assistance and with little pain, then you should seek that option. Sitting in the vehicle provides more safety than sitting in a wheelchair.

Any kind of contents in the vehicle should be secured for the safety of the wheelchair user. If something looks heavy and could be knocked loose by the moving vehicle, store it as low as possible to avoid any potential injuries. Make sure all accessories on the electric wheelchair such as the battery is properly secured. If the electric wheelchair has a joystick control placed in the center, see if it is possible to remove that as it could be a hazard during any collisions or emergencies.

Wearing Safety Belts

Make sure the belts are fitted for the user and not be restrictive or suffocating. Place belt on the inside of the wheelchair and wrap across the pelvis, taking extra care that the safety belt does not creep up to the stomach during vehicle movements. The best kind of safety belt is the 3 point belt with two attachments of the belt going to the floor and an additional attachment that secures on to the vehicle.

If you are looking for better wheelchair models that can handle the longer travels, visit Handicap Equipment for more information. Read up on common mobility scooter problems that users face and see if it is time to upgrade from manual wheelchairs to power mobility wheelchairs. Also get a better idea of the handicapped equipped vehicles models available to you.

Different Types Of Wheelchair Lifts

Wheelchair lifts are known best for the best services that they could offer to wheelchair users. No wonder these have great importance to them since they could be transported easily while they are traveling or moving in a particular place where they need to climb up or down. In any place that they could go such as in a building, houses, hotels, stores, hospitals, or in other places, they could have a better transportation with these wheelchair lifts. However there are different types of wheelchair lifts which are good for specific purposes. These are the following.

Inclined Wheelchair Lift

For those handicapped persons who find hard from climbing up and down the stairs, then this kind of wheelchair is the best for him or her. It could functional well just like an elevator. This has safety features too that would avoid or prevent any possible accident. It has emergency stop switches, safety pan, and over speed device. This has anti-slip platforms to avoid falling and slips. This can be use both in outdoors and indoors.

Portable Wheelchair Lift

This kind of lift can give access to users in going up or down from staircases and cars. And since it is portable, this can be easily carried and be kept in a vehicle. It is powered by battery that need a bit of maintenance. This can be used also in outdoors and indoors.

Vertical Wheelchair Lift

For those locations which are not having ramps or wheelchair entry points, this vertical wheelchair lift is an ideal lift for this place. This can be used by lifting the wheelchair with the user sitting on it. The wheelchair can be lowered vertically. This lift too can accommodate different wheelchair of any weight. And in terms of its safety, a user must not be worried since it has safety parameters like safety nut, broken belt monitor, final limit switches, and platform safety pans.

Hydraulic and Electric Lift

This could be a bit expensive but would really ensure durability thus this would last longer. You can find the best of it by finding the best dealer or manufacturer of this. They would know better the best quality which is available in the marketplace.

So, these are the different types of wheelchair lifts that would cater your need if you are finding your wheelchair now for you or to the one whom you know.

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